LETTER: It’s time to bring back athletic dorms

Tommy BrookerTuscaloosa

Published: Monday, March 4, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 11:40 p.m.

Dear Editor: It is important to understand that the (University of Alabama) Athletic Department has to abide by rules that are made up by the NCAA. And the NCAA chose not to allow schools to have an athletic dorm that houses all athletes.

Why? This makes it hard to call a meeting, see the players eye to eye, wake them during everyday functions, check on their well-being, etc.

By not having a curfew, they’re allowed to act like regular students. But regular students get into trouble almost every day. The (university) presidents should make every effort to bring the dorms back for the athletes and gain control of the athletes representing the University of Alabama. Coach Nick Saban and UA will do the proper thing, and they will handle it.

Our athletes need to recognize that they’re special, but not in a way that allows them to get away with anything possible.

They are special in that they represent the University of Alabama Athletic Department and the tradition of all university athletes. If they encounter a stumbling block while in public, they must be the better person and walk away. Anything else chips away at what other athletes have taken years to establish — a tradition, which is special to our school.

Walking away makes them special, because not all can be in their position — an athlete at the University of Alabama. Class is what it is all about! Act like you been there before!

<p>Dear Editor: It is important to understand that the (University of Alabama) Athletic Department has to abide by rules that are made up by the NCAA. And the NCAA chose not to allow schools to have an athletic dorm that houses all athletes. </p><p>Why? This makes it hard to call a meeting, see the players eye to eye, wake them during everyday functions, check on their well-being, etc.</p><p>By not having a curfew, they're allowed to act like regular students. But regular students get into trouble almost every day. The (university) presidents should make every effort to bring the dorms back for the athletes and gain control of the athletes representing the University of Alabama. Coach Nick Saban and UA will do the proper thing, and they will handle it.</p><p>Our athletes need to recognize that they're special, but not in a way that allows them to get away with anything possible. </p><p>They are special in that they represent the University of Alabama Athletic Department and the tradition of all university athletes. If they encounter a stumbling block while in public, they must be the better person and walk away. Anything else chips away at what other athletes have taken years to establish — a tradition, which is special to our school. </p><p>Walking away makes them special, because not all can be in their position — an athlete at the University of Alabama. Class is what it is all about! Act like you been there before!</p>